Hello, it's been awhile!
Hi there, it's been awhile. I have been wanting to keep this blog current, but you know life happens. :) I miss writing here though & sharing news, some style posts or finds & big stories.
This time, I have a BIG STORY to share! Apart from the shop being surprisingly successful over the last year, thanks to you... I am also very grateful for so many other things.
If you don't know already, the only sport that I know is running. I have always wanted to join a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Marathon earlier in life... but it was only three years ago when I actually signed up for one - it was for the 2016 Surf City Half Marathon in Huntington Beach. Thinking about it now, I wish I started sooner when I still had those 20's energy, but you know what they say --- it's always never too late. Anyway, before I actually finished that race, I signed up for the 2015 Santa Monica Classic 5K just to get a feel of actually crossing the finish line. So that's my most memorable race, my first medal ever.
During my training, I encouraged my best friend to join me in the Surf City Half Marathon & sure she did! And now she runs so much stronger & faster than I do. (So proud of you, Tins!)
In a span of 3 years, I have completed a 5K, a 10K, 6 half marathons and just recently finished the Los Angeles Marathon! I'm now an official Marathoner!!! Although I am not the fastest runner, I am always proud of my time --- Net Time of 5:42:51 in LA. I told you I'm not the fastest, but you know, I feel the best! And I think that's the most important thing. Why do I run? I run to feed my soul... er ... it really just clears my head, detaches me from staring at a lit-up mobile & computer screens & running outside just makes me enjoy the beautiful weather we have here in California. And you know that feeling after a run? If not, you should jut go out there & your experience will tell you more than I can ever explain here. That runner's high, as they call it.
In some races, I have also ran side by side with my wife, KD (So proud of you for finishing strong with me), others with my brother, Gerard, one with all my best friends, Sugar, Emy & Dory (Yay, We did it!) & some with more family & friends. It's so much fun, you would want to do it over & over.
Wait, I haven't even gotten to the big story yet!
It was just another day at work, when I received an email from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, telling me that I was 1 of 5 who was selected out of many to be part of their Athlete's for Equality Program. Of course, prior to that I applied online & answered all that questionnaire without really thinking that I would get in. Well, honestly, I was really hoping & praying & already planning in the back of my mind, but also telling myself that there's just no way. But wait, YES WAY! I was selected & I will be running the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon for the HRC Foundation! It has always been a dream of mine to run the NYC Marathon & what better way to run it that with a great cause close to my heart.
I strongly believe that without the voice & strong advocacy of HRC, I probably wouldn't be married now to my wonderful wife, KD. We have always been members of HRC & have always supported their campaigns. This is my way of giving back to the community & hoping to contribute in improving the lives of LGBTQ people by working to increase understanding and encourage the adoption of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices.
That's one part of the big story.
The second part is you can also do your part. If we share that same value & you also believe in EQUAL RIGHTS, please consider a donation to the Human Rights Campaign on my behalf. Your love & support will continue to inspire me to run my best, with all my heart & keep going all the way to 26.2!
My official fundraising page is through CrowdRise & every dollar you donate goes directly to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Email me at hello@shopmiguez.com if you have questions & I'd love to answer them!
Click below to view & donate to my fundraising page.
